5 spd tranny issue - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ricksam · 01-31-2009, 08:33 PM

Started noticing a little whining noise during acceleration a couple of weeks ago....would stop when I let off the gas. This issue I am sure is also connected to this issue: When starting this car in cold weather (-0) and when I let out the clutch with the car NOT in gear, there is obviously some engagement as the car will roll forward and drag the rpms down. In fact it actually killed the motor the other morning when letting out the clutch after starting. It was very cold...about -20, but this should not be happening. I have read a few posts that allude to the poor quality of the Corolla 5 speeds...this is an '04 with 117,000 mi and it boggles my mind that this tranny is shot....unless anyone has a different idea?...

Volvosteel · 02-01-2009, 03:27 AM

Well my 2003 has never been in anything under 20, but i do have a 5sp with 215K on it, im only on my second clutch, as for engagement with car in neutral i have noticed that from time to time it seems it still catches alittle, simply pushing the clutch back in and letting it out again solves the issue, though this does not happen very often. If you are on your original clutch its probly time to have it replaced, you may be grinding the clutch plate itself down, have it checked to see where the clutch itself stands wear wise. BTW my 2003 has probly seen the hotest temp's out of anyone's, in the summer it reg see's temp's close to 130, at those temp's under stop and go type condition the clutch does begin to slip alittle.

mcdawgg · 02-01-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricksam

Started noticing a little whining noise during acceleration a couple of weeks ago....would stop when I let off the gas. This issue I am sure is also connected to this issue: When starting this car in cold weather (-0) and when I let out the clutch with the car NOT in gear, there is obviously some engagement as the car will roll forward and drag the rpms down. In fact it actually killed the motor the other morning when letting out the clutch after starting. It was very cold...about -20, but this should not be happening. I have read a few posts that allude to the poor quality of the Corolla 5 speeds...this is an '04 with 117,000 mi and it boggles my mind that this tranny is shot....unless anyone has a different idea?...

Even when new, my '99 would grab a little when very cold and in neutral when a take my foot off the clutch. over 100k miles, and it is still fine. My theory: the transmission oil is so thick at these extremely cold temps (below zero F) that it forces the output shaft to spin a little bit, even with the gear sets in neutral. I think yours is fine. My new manual Camry does the same thing when below zero F.

ricksam · 02-02-2009, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcdawgg

Even when new, my '99 would grab a little when very cold and in neutral when a take my foot off the clutch. over 100k miles, and it is still fine. My theory: the transmission oil is so thick at these extremely cold temps (below zero F) that it forces the output shaft to spin a little bit, even with the gear sets in neutral. I think yours is fine. My new manual Camry does the same thing when below zero F.

Thanks for the replies fellas....I appreciate the input.

mcdawgg...I like your theory....I would also assume (bad word) that the transmission oil is synthetic?

JasonA · 02-02-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricksam

mcdawgg...I like your theory....I would also assume (bad word) that the transmission oil is synthetic?

The stock Toyota gear lube is not synthetic that I know of. You can use synthetic oil. Redline's MT-90 is a great fluid for these transaxles. I have it in mine and it really improved shift feel and ease.

ricksam · 02-02-2009, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonA

The stock Toyota gear lube is not synthetic that I know of. You can use synthetic oil. Redline's MT-90 is a great fluid for these transaxles. I have it in mine and it really improved shift feel and ease.

nice tip....I will give it a try.

mcdawgg · 02-02-2009, 08:39 AM

It is not synthetic. I've only replaced once with the OEM Toyota stuff, not synthetic, but you could try syn. and let us know.

ricksam · 02-02-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcdawgg

It is not synthetic. I've only replaced once with the OEM Toyota stuff, not synthetic, but you could try syn. and let us know.

I'll try to get it done this week and get back with the results.

ricksam · 02-15-2009, 07:44 AM

Finally got the lube changed in the tranny yesterday and took it out for a 200 mi test drive. That Redline MT90 lube seems to have made shifting much smoother...real improvement on the downshifting ease. So far no noise, but the real test will come with cold weather....since most of our snow is now gone and I have had to park the sled

I am hoping that the cold weather is done...bring on spring